Acne Treatment
Treat breakouts and the dark marks they leave behind with a prescription cream or gel, designed for your skin by your own doctor.
Most over-the-counter acne products and fixed prescriptions treat everyone the same way. We don’t. After a consultation with a doctor, we design a topical cream or gel using prescription-strength ingredients chosen for your skin. Your treatment targets your acne pattern, your skin’s sensitivity and your risk of scarring and dark marks, alongside any other concerns you have. The same doctor looks after you throughout and adjusts each course based on how your skin responds. And because everything happens online, your treatment is designed and delivered without you leaving home.
Step 1
Choose a form or video consultation with your doctor
Step 2
Treatment plan with a cream or gel designed for you.
Step 3
Follow-up to refine your treatment and reduce side effects.
Understanding Acne
Acne develops when pores become blocked, oil production increases, bacteria build up and the skin’s immune response triggers inflammation. The result can range from blackheads and whiteheads to deeper, painful papules, pustules and nodules. It’s one of the most common skin conditions in the UK, and it doesn’t always clear on its own, especially in adults. Left untreated, acne can leave lasting acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the dark marks that linger after a breakout clears. Because the causes aren’t the same for everyone, early, well-matched treatment reduces both active breakouts and the longer-term damage they leave behind.
Why a Treatment Built for Your Acne Works Better
Acne isn’t one condition. It varies by type, severity, hormonal pattern and how your skin responds to treatment. So someone with oily, resilient skin and deep inflammatory acne needs a very different formula from someone with sensitive, hyperpigmentation-prone skin and persistent comedones. A treatment that works well for one person can irritate or underperform for another. That’s why we build every prescription-strength treatment around your skin and review it at the end of each course. Your doctor can increase, reduce or swap ingredients based on what’s actually happening with your skin, rather than keeping you on a fixed protocol.
Acne Treatments at City Skin Clinic
After an online consultation, your doctor designs a topical cream or gel around your acne type, your medical history and your goals, then refines it at the end of each course. There are two protocols, depending on what your skin needs:
- ACN: A single once-a-day cream or gel. It’s our standard protocol for mild to moderate acne, and for maintaining results once acne is under control. ACN can also address mild hyperpigmentation and uneven texture, depending on the ingredients your doctor selects.
- ACN+: A two-product protocol, one for morning and one for evening, for more persistent, severe, inflammatory or scarring acne, and for more stubborn post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It gives more intensive coverage and is typically used for a defined period before stepping down to ACN for maintenance.
Acne Treatment Fees
VIRTUAL CONSULTATION£30
Your doctor designs your treatment and looks after you throughout. Consultation fee credited in full against your first treatment.
ACN £90
A once-a-day cream or gel (30g) for mild to moderate acne, mild post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and uneven texture. Delivery and your doctor's ongoing aftercare included. Usually lasts 3 months on the face and neck.
ACN+ £150
A two-product protocol, morning and evening (30g each), for more persistent or severe acne and for more stubborn post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and the appearance of scarring. Typically used for up to 6 months before stepping down to ACN. Delivery and your doctor's ongoing aftercare included. Usually lasts 3 months on the face and neck.
Treatment Time
15 Minutes
Duration of effect
3-4 Months
Back to Work
Same Day
There is no subscription and no auto-renewal. Each course is a single order you place yourself.
Ingredients Used in Our Acne Treatments
Every formula is built for you and can be adjusted at the end of each 3-month course. We choose ingredients to target the specific drivers behind your breakouts, address other skin concerns and protect against hyperpigmentation and scarring where needed. These are some of the active ingredients your doctor may use in our acne creams and gels:
- Tretinoin: A prescription retinoid we may use alone or with other ingredients in our acne creams and gels. It speeds up skin cell turnover to help unclog pores and reduce breakouts, smooth texture and fade mild hyperpigmentation. It needs careful monitoring, as it’s up to 20 times more powerful than retinol.
- Azelaic Acid: Has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and keratolytic properties. It reduces acne-causing bacteria, calms inflammation and smooths the complexion. It’s particularly useful for skin prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, because it treats acne and dark marks at once with a lower irritation risk than many alternatives.
- Niacinamide: Anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating. It reduces redness, balances oil production and strengthens the skin barrier. Niacinamide works well alongside stronger actives to reduce irritation without adding harshness.
- Clindamycin: A topical antibiotic that targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation and redness. We add this prescription medicine to acne creams for certain inflammatory breakouts, in suitable patients and for a limited period, to avoid resistance.
- Spironolactone: An anti-androgen that helps reduce oil production. We may add this prescription medicine to your cream or gel for hormonal acne in suitable patients, particularly where breakouts follow a cyclical pattern along the jawline, chin and lower face.
- Hydroquinone: A prescription depigmenting agent we may use for limited periods in suitable patients when hyperpigmentation is a dominant concern. It reduces pigmentation by inhibiting melanin production and is suitable for all skin tones.
- Hydrocortisone: A mild corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin. We sometimes use it in the early stages to help skin adjust to active ingredients without excessive irritation.
| Ingredient | Unblocks Pores | Anti-Inflammatory | Reduces Bacteria | Controls Oil | Fades Hyperpigmentation | Smooths Texture | Supports Skin Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tretinoin | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Azelaic acid | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Niacinamide | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Clindamycin | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
| Spironolactone | ✓ | ||||||
| Hydroquinone | ✓ | ||||||
| Hydrocortisone | ✓ |
All prescription ingredients are used in acne creams or gels only where your doctor judges them safe, appropriate and suitable for you.
How Long Does Acne Treatment Take to Work?
Acne treatment usually takes 3 to 6 months to show meaningful progress. Some people notice early improvement within 6 to 8 weeks whilst others take much longer. It isn’t a quick fix, because it works by changing how your skin behaves over time rather than masking symptoms, and results vary from person to person. How quickly you see change depends on the severity of your acne, your skin type, how you respond and how consistently you use your treatment. Prescription-strength treatment also helps reduce the risk of longer-term damage to your skin.
In the first few weeks, acid or retinoid-based treatments can cause an adjustment phase. This may include some dryness, mild irritation or a temporary increase in breakouts, sometimes called purging. It’s a recognised part of the process, and one reason we start at a strength and frequency suited to your skin rather than pushing maximum intensity from day one.
Why We Focus on Topical Acne Treatment
Topical treatment lets us combine several active ingredients in one formula, target them directly to the skin and adjust the balance at each review. For most people with mild to moderate acne, a well-designed topical treatment delivers strong results with lower systemic exposure and fewer side effects than oral medication. Our service is built around topical prescription treatment. If your acne is severe or isn’t responding adequately to topical therapy, your doctor will discuss this with you and may suggest other options, including systemic treatment.
Who Is Suitable for Online Acne Treatment?
This service may be right for you if you:
- Have mild to moderate acne that hasn’t responded well to over-the-counter products
- Have severe acne but haven’t tried topical treatments yet, or want to avoid systemic treatment for now
- Have persistent adult acne, including hormonal or cyclical breakouts
- Are concerned about post-inflammatory dark marks or early scarring
- Want a structured treatment plan with ongoing doctor follow-up, not a one-off prescription
- Prefer an online service with treatment delivered to your home
Our acne treatment is for adults aged 18 and over only. If your acne is severe, nodular or not responding to topical medication, your doctor may recommend an alternative approach, including other in-person or online services.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, let your doctor know at your consultation. Some acne ingredients aren’t suitable at that time, so your doctor will design a formula that’s safe to use and leave out anything that isn’t.
Why Choose City Skin Clinic
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all generic solutions. So every treatment is prescribed by a doctor, built around your skin and adjusted at the end of each course based on how you respond. Your treatment evolves with you rather than staying the same. That standard of care and choice is what sets us apart from other acne treatment services:
- Doctor-led care from day one: Your treatment starts with either a detailed form consultation or an in-depth video consultation with one of our doctors, whichever suits you. Your doctor reviews your concerns, assesses your skin and designs a plan that’s unique to you.
- Genuinely personalised: Your treatment is built around your acne type, your skin’s sensitivity and your scarring or hyperpigmentation risk. It’s also adjusted at the end of each course based on how your skin responds.
- Ongoing follow-up: After your consultation, you can email your prescribing doctor at any time for advice, a progress review and your next course.
- Delivered to your door: Your treatment arrives at your home with a clear plan, and aftercare is unlimited and included.
From your first consultation onwards, the same doctor designs your treatment, follows your progress and adjusts your formula as your skin changes.
| City Skin Clinic | Most Online Platforms | In-Person Clinics | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The same named doctor throughout | Yes | Rarely | Varies |
| Choice of consultation | Video or form consultation | Form only | In-person consultation |
| Several prescription actives in one formula | Yes, unique to your skin | Usually fixed or limited options | Varies |
| Adjusted at the end of each course | Yes | Rarely | Varies |
| Subscription required | No | Usually | No |
| Aftercare | Unlimited support from the same doctor | Care team model | Appointment-based follow-up |
Google Reviews
I would highly recommend City Skin Clinic. I have had a great experience with Dr Amel so far. She is extremely knowledgable and has explained my treatment plan in detail. I had a lot of questions initially and this was met with fast and in depth responses by Dr Amel. The ordering and delivery of the product is quick and easy and Dr Amel has remained in contact throughout my treatment to check progress. It has only been a couple of months but I have already seen an improvement in my hair and trust that I will continue to do so.
Fabulous company and fabulous service!
I have had the best experience ever, I was postpartum dealing with a lot of hyperpigmentation on my face. I felt really seen, heard and listened to you. I was provided with the upmost care and kindness. Including in-depth explanation on how to use what I was prescribed And I felt well equipped to carry out the treatment. The outcome of the treatment has been the best thing ever for me. I look amazing and my skin is magnificent. I’ve been complimented by almost everyone I know, including strangers. This is genuinely changed my life and I would recommend this to anyone. So thankful to Amel and her team 🥹❤️
Amazing service and are always helpful with any query that I have. I always recommend them to friends and family 👍🏾
Very helpful and professional. I totally trust their advice. They show real care. I highly recommend.
Fantastic service. Super responsive and great clinicians. I have been using them for about a year now, for tretinoin. My skin has cleared and the formula and treatment was tailored to my skin. Really loved the outcome!
Can not recommend this place anymore. All the staff are super lovely, doctors lovely, has great chat and I'm so pleased with my results!
Such a professional experience, with amazing results that I couldn't have even imagined.
I’ve been going to see Amel for about a year now and am very happy with the results. The service she provides is very personalised and has made a real difference to how my skin looks and feels. I would definitely recommend City Skin Clinic even if you have tried other, similar services.
Dr Amel is fantastic - she was very transparent in her call with me in terms of what she thought would be best for me, and has over the course of the year since always been very prompt and generous in her responses to my email queries. Highly recommended!
City Skin Clinic allows me to get tretinoin delivered when I am running out rather than a subscription basis. Not only that but I cannot praise their customer service enough. They have been so helpful in all skincare advice not just the tretinoin. The response times are incredible and I feel like a valued customer with a personalised advisor. I have used other companies before and have been recommended others, but I’m not even tempted to move away from City Skin Clinic. They really are amazing.
I'm very pleased with the service and product I have received from City Clinic. The process for prescription is easy enough to follow and I'm very satisfied with my skin improvement.
Excellent results, I would highly recommend - Amel is really lovely and welcoming, she spends time making you feel comfortable and is honest about treatments and results.
Amel is a superstar. You can trust her entirely and know that she will not let you walk away disappointed. Highly recommend City Clinic.
I appreciate the prompt responses and the treatment I am receiving is going well.
I used the online consultation form and received a very quick response with detailed advice about a treatment plan. My two prescription products arrived a couple of days later in the post and I've already had great results in reducing pigmentation on my face after only 4 weeks of use. I'm really pleased with the results and the service and advice I've received from City Skin Clinic has been excellent.
City Skin Clinic helped me find a Treatment plan that really helped my skin problem of pigmentation /malasma.
Amel is amazing she always takes time to understand your concern and will always give you the best treatment and advice and the results have been amazing. Thank you!
I’ve been receiving treatment at City Skin Clinic with Dr Amel and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the start, Dr Amel was professional, knowledgeable and genuinely attentive to my skin concerns — she took the time to listen and tailor a plan that suited my needs. Many aspects of the process were clear and reassuring, and I felt well supported throughout. What stood out most was the ongoing support: Dr Amel has continued to check in, answer my questions promptly, and adapt my plan as needed, which has made a real difference in my progress. Overall, a thorough, caring and highly recommended clinic experience.
I cannot recommend Dr Amel highly enough. She is genuinely the best skincare specialist I’ve ever worked with. From the very first consultation she took the time to understand my concerns in detail, explain the science behind everything, and create a personalised plan that actually delivered results rather than promises.
My skin has transformed under her care. Years of stubborn hyperpigmentation, uneven tone and texture that I thought I’d never get on top of have improved more than I thought was possible. Every step of the process has been guided, monitored and adjusted so thoughtfully. She never rushes, she always explains the why behind each change, and she makes you feel like you’re in the hands of someone who genuinely cares about your outcome.
What stands out most is how responsive and reassuring she is. Anytime I had a question or worry, she replied with real clarity and expertise. She pays close attention to detail, picks up on things I wouldn’t even notice, and makes you feel completely supported throughout the whole treatment plan.
If you want a clinician who is knowledgeable, meticulous, honest, and truly invested in achieving the best results for you, Dr Amel is exactly that. My confidence in my skin has never been better, and I’m so grateful to her for the care, patience and expertise she’s given me.
I got in touch having been frustrated with breakouts and early ageing signs. I have been so impressed by the level of communication, empathy and support I have received. It feels so much more caring/personal than booking with other well known brands in this space (who often more of a subscription based model) I would really recommend this company - and Dr Amel - to anyone wanting professional advice and support with their skin concerns
In desperation I trawled the internet looking for alternatives and found this wonderful company. From the very first video consultation, I was listened to and given a plan which worked! I cannot praise Amel enough. She has given such good advice; she responds almost immediately and is so very sensible. I feel cared forand know I am in the most professional and capable hands. My skin has improved significantly and is now brighter, more even toned and hydrated. I am impressed to the extent that I paid for my darling daughter to have a consultation as well. In her words- "Amel is just lovely. She is THE best!" What more can I say??? I won't be going anywhere else as I have complete faith in the company and highly recommend them.
I had a fantastic experience with CitySkinClinic. The online consultation was incredibly convenient and cost just £30 - excellent value for such a professional and personalised service. I was pleased and surprised that the cost of the consultation came off the price of the treatment Dr Amel was extremely easy to talk to, answering all my concerns with great care and professionalism. She was very prudent and thoughtful in her recommendations which made me feel confident and well looked after
Since using the cream my skin has noticeably improved in texture and firmness making me look healthier and less tired. My sun damage spots have also disappeared
I highly recommend CitySkinCity to anyone looking for expert skincare advice with a truly personal touch
I'm not even halfway through my treatment for hyperpigmentation and I've achieved amazing results thanks to City Skin Clinic. The service has been effortless, professional, reliable and most of all very personalised unlike some of the other online clinics where you just fill in a form and wait for treatment in the post. I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants even looking skin!
Really great online service provided. Very friendly and approachable Doctors who are extremely quick to respond, and offer advice on not only services and products they offer, but also non prescription skincare products. Would highly recommend!
Frequently asked questions
We have different options in terms of the cream and use the one we feel is best for the patient's skin and the active ingredients we're using. Below are the ingredients for the main bases we use.
Light hydrating: Purified water, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, isohexadecane, isododecane, stearyl behenate, cetyl alcohol, polyacrylate-13, polysorbate 60, PEG-75 stearate, polyisobutene, c13-c15 alkane, polyurethane-39, tocopheryl acetate, ascorbic acid, sodium bisulfite, benzoic acid (0.1%), sorbic acid (0.1%), polysorbate 20.
Emolliating (sensitive/dry skin): Aqua, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Glyceryl Esters, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Propanediol, Undecane, Tridecane, HEA/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Polysorbate 80, Decyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Propanediol, Rutin & Hydroxycinnamic Acid {from Cleome gynandra leaf extract}, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Bisabolol, Edetate Disodium Dihydrate, Simethicone, Hyaluronic Acid Sodium Salt, Persea Gratissima Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Flower Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Herb Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
Authored by:
Aesthetic Doctor & Medical Director BSC (HONS) MBBS MRCS PHD
Founder City Skin Clinic
Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
Associate Member of British Association of Body Sculpting GMC Registered - 7049611